“I am proud of the Department and of all the members past and present for reaching this milestone"

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The trucks have been polished, the long hoses have been rolled neatly, and the fire hats have been hung with care. Now, the City of Dixon Fire Department is ready for the public to join them in celebrating its 150th anniversary with an open house on Saturday, October 9, at Fire Station 81 on Ford Way. The event will be held in coordination with Fire Prevention Week.

Established in 1871, the Department has a long tradition of serving and protecting the Dixon community. That tradition continues today with a full range of emergency services offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“I am proud of the Department and of all the members past and present for reaching this milestone. We hope the community will help us celebrate and come out to our interactive open house to learn more about fire safety and prevention as drought and fire dangers continue to grow more severe,” said Dixon Fire Chief Todd McNeal.

The Department serves a combined population of nearly 25,000, covering an area of 320 square miles. Seven square miles of service area are within the city limits and 313 are in the Dixon Fire Protection District through a protection contract. The Department provides fire protection, paramedic level emergency medical response, fire prevention services, public fire safety education, fire investigations, and emergency management.

The open house will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the Dixon Fire Department, 205 Ford Way, behind Ron DuPratt Ford in Dixon. The celebration will begin with a brief history presentation and comments from local officials.

Historical artifacts and fire apparatus will be displayed, and former Fire Chiefs and Dixon Fire members will be speaking about Dixon’s history. The event will include safety demonstrations, children’s activities and will feature historical artifacts and stories.

There will be opportunities for children to touch firefighting gear, handle hoses and even spray water. Medical helicopters will be on display as well as ambulances and law enforcement vehicles.

Public safety and preparedness planning information and tools will be made available, too.

There will be cupcakes and refreshments for the attendees. You won't want to miss meeting Dixon’s firefighters, either!